Mike Rayer

Review from verified client

December, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My husband had an old retirement pension through the co-operative insurance but we hadn't heard from them in years and was recommended Mike Rayer to try and trace where it had gone.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike worked hard to find that it had been changed to the Royal London. And was able to retrieve the information.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes thank you.

What could they have done better?

I think he was very helpful

Review from verified client

December, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Moving jobs and assessing pension options

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike provided the advice I needed in a clear and helpful manner

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

When my husband died . He had a insurance policy that payed out after he died . Want to make sure i was ok fir when i retired

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

He has helowd me a lot gave me advice where i was uncertain about things and ynderstood what i wanted for tgem money

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. He has sorted things out for me and explain everythink he do for me

Mike's reply

You are welcome Libby. It is always a pleasure to see you and I look forward to catching up with you sometime in the New Year. Thank for your comments it means a lot

Review from verified client

November, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Leaving my employer therefore reviewing my pension and savings

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike helped me to understand my options and what was best for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

November, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We needed to review our insurance cover so asked Mike following recommendations.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike helped us with our insurance and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

October, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Previous advisor was not providing adequate support

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Assessed present financial position and advised on reinvestment of current funds as well as where to place future pension planning requirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I am in contact with Mike on a weekly basis and he provides better than excellent support

Review from verified client

October, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Existing one retired

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Simplified my finances and advised on future requirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but ongoing

What could they have done better?

very little - been approachable and available when required

Review from verified client

October, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was approaching my early target retirement date and wanted help and advice to amalgamate numerous policies into one easy to manage drawdown investment fund.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike visited me at my home to discuss my options at length on several occasions. He later helped me to transfer my existing policies into a new drawdown investment policy that best suited my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Unfortunately, several of the transfers were live as Covid 19 became a major issue and the country went into lockdown. This negatively impacted their value. However, all of my funds are now with my new drawdown provider and are slowly recovering.

What could they have done better?

Personally, I do not think that Mike could have done anything better. I had a fairly good understanding of my situation and knew what I wanted to do. Mike helped me to achieve it.

Mike's reply

Good news Garry - thanks for the review?

Review from verified client

October, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement income

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Consolidating my various incomes into 1 pot

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

More or less- sadly the impact of Covid is yet to be fully realised.

What could they have done better?

Nothing- his role is so hamstrung by legislation and the FCA that it is more or less pre- prescribed

Review from verified client

October, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Dissatisfied with previous adviser.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike gives very clear accurate advice in a straightforward and easy to understand manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Our pension funds have done extremely well since Mike sorted them out.

Review from verified client

February, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Trade change and planning for the future.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

I have benefitted from Mike’s sound advice over a period of years. He has proved himself to be an astute and valuable advisor on all things financial and commercial. I would definitely recommend him to any company or individual

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and I will monitor as time goes on coupled with Mikes experience and advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, everything has been effortless.

Review from verified client

February, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

When my wife died and i wanted to take an early retirement

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

I was introduced to Mike through a colleague as I had some savings and investments left to me by my wife. He has managed my portfolio with great care and although I am cautious about investments, these have grown over the years. Mike is always on hand to offer advice and support and to assist me when I want to release capital, without damaging the investment pot. I would have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

with the economic climate as it is i think Mike has done very well for me as i have always been careful and have to look after my future

Review from verified client

February, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Reaching the age when retirement became a real option

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike has a relaxed approach to pensions advice that makes you immediately feel at ease, his no jargon explanations guide you to making the right decisions for you as an individual. I have recommended Mike to several of my friends and they are all very pleased with the results. In a nutshell – Its Pensions advice made simple

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Always want more ! But very satisfied

What could they have done better?

Maybe construck a pension guide for dummies as an initial introduction

Review from verified client

February, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had an inheritance to invest.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike Rayer has been my Independent Financial Advisor since 2012. When my mother died in that year, I had some inheritance to invest. My husband and I discussed the options of what to do with the money with a couple of financial advisors and we decided to use Mike and his expertise for the investments. He now also manages my husband's pension savings. Mike has regular reviews with us to explain how the investments are performing and to discuss possible options for making alterations to the balance of where the funds are placed. I would recommend Mike's advice and services to anyone else looking for someone to advise on investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, the savings are invested and growing each year.

Review from verified client

February, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Initially we needed a financial adviser to advise on how to invest an inheritance we had received. Later on, I moved my main pension investment to be managed by Mike as well.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike Rayer has been my Independent Financial Advisor for over 6 years now. Initially, he offered advice on long term savings, after we had money to invest after the death of my mother in law. Since then he has also arranged life insurance for us, he now manages my pension and has given advise on what to do with our remaining mortgage. We have regular reviews with Mike, and I would thoroughly recommend his services to anyone looking for an IFA

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, both the savings pot and pension fund have grown at a good rate

Review from verified client

January, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Coming up to retirement and needed help with my pensions.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

I have known Mike for many years but only undertook to engage him as my Financial Adviser a couple of years ago when I needed advice on my retirement planning. I had a number of small pension pots that I found it difficult to access. I wanted to amalgamate all of my plans into one place. Mike listened to me and helped me to achieve my aim. He was always sympathetic to my needs and explained things so that it was easy for me to understand. Especially during the last year when I have been off work due to injury. We have regular meetings and Mike has assisted me in taking out capital, as and when needed. I would recommend Mike to anyone looking for a friendly approachable Independent Financial Adviser

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes i have.

What could they have done better?

At the moment Mike is doing everything to my wishes.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed to get my pensions all together and also start a new pension. Had great advice and now have a good pension. Also took some advice on insurance and investments.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

I would just like to thank Advice 4U Financial Planning for the excellent and professional manner in which they helped me with my pensions and the advice given on investing for my future retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, yearly statements and consultations with Mike.

What could they have done better?

I can’t really say what else he could have done. I was very pleased with the professionalism of Mike.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Changes to Defined benefit scheme

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike Rayer has been my Independent Financial Advisor for over 2 years now. He was able to support me with good advice when I was offered the opportunity to move my defined benefit pension into my own private pension. He arranged for all the right support and we now enjoy friendly but professional meetings to discuss progress and next steps. I would thoroughly recommend his services to anyone looking for an IFA.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

January, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

As we go through life, it becomes apparent that we need to look after our money and ensure it looks after us.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Testimonial – Mike Rayer Advice 4 U Financial Planning Services I have known Mike for many years, and he has always been there for honest advice for my financial requirements. Whether it is for financial protection, investments, savings or pensions, I am assured I have the best support with Mike. He listens intently to my requirements and advises accordingly leaving me totally comfortable with the decisions made. Without hesitation I would recommend Mike to anyone who needs financial advice. Matt Long

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Very much so.

Review from verified client

January, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My original financial advisor was retiring and recommended Mike to me

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

From the moment I was introduced to Mike Rayer by my former Financial Adviser, 6 years ago, I have found him to be extremely reliable, friendly and approachable. Following a road traffic accident, I was left with a brain injury resulting in short term memory problems. Mike is extremely patient and takes the time to explain things in simple detail enabling me to understand my financial circumstances to the best of my capabilities. He undertakes regular reviews of my finances and keeps me updated on any changes etc. I trust him implicitly and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending his services to any of my family and friends.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing

Review from verified client

January, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Review my pension arrangements as i had moved from an employed role to a s/e role.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

I wanted to drop you a few lines to say a huge Thanks for all your support and direction with regard to my pension. Planning for my future income in retirement is a very important part of retirement planning and you put my mind at rest and fully explained my options and the impacts. I work in Financial Services, but your expert knowledge was invaluable and helped me plan for my future. Thank you for making the process as simple as possible and keeping me posted every step of the way. You have really helped me, and my family have a secure future and I have already recommended you to my friends and family. Jayesh Patel

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Pension plans all put in place.

What could they have done better?

N/a

Review from verified client

January, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My original financial advisor was retiring and introduced me to Mike

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

I have known Mike Rayer for coming up to 6 years when he was recommended to myself and my husband by our former financial adviser who was due to retire. During this time, Mike has continued to oversee my financial portfolio to a high degree of satisfaction, including regular reviews and updates. He is extremely approachable and trustworthy. I would have no hesitation in recommending his services to both family and friends. I hope to retain his services for the foreseeable future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing. More than satisfied with the service I have received over the years

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Mortgage protection.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Advised and found mortgage protection cover.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Myself and my partner have just purchased our first property together and we were both seeking Life Cover.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike managed to find us both cover to suit our individual needs at an affordable monthly cost.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Reaching 60 and needing advice on what to do with various pensions that I had acrued over the years of my working life.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

He listened as I explained my situation and recommended a plan that met my needs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. He has brought togther these various plans into one that I can access on line. I undertsand what I have now.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Review of my frozen pension from my previous Employer.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Helped me understand my options with my pension and the flexibility that was available in the marketYes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - very happy with the outcome and look forward to my pension being tracked to meet my needs.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Needed advice.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Gave me the advice I required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Buy me a beer

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Pension pot for retirement.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Transfreed 4 work schemes into one pot , Now my pot is making good money for the first time in 5 years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and now my money is actually working for me . Previously my pensions were losing money and I was paying them a fee for wasting my money , What a mug ! I Should have gone to Mike years ago.

What could they have done better?

Diffacult question this , I not reaaly sure he could of done anything better

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Required advice on pension.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike invested my private pensions and set up a draw down.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, aswell as can be expected.

What could they have done better?

Very happy with the help from Mike, he has been very thorough

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Needing to cash investments to buy a flat.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

He advised me what to cash in and moved others to use ISAS.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have bought my flat and am letting my former home.His advice unfortunately coincided with a holiday and some illness on his part.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

Excellent. Thorough. Professional.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Mike

Mike is excellent. He listened attentively to my objectives and advised how he feels we could work best together. I felt very comfortable with his investment philosophy. I would definitely recommend him.

Review from verified client

January, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We were receptive to a follow-up approach following the retirement of our previous adviser.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

By consolidating a range of investments onto a single platform and choosing investments to match our risk tolerance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Broadly, yes but the timescale has really been too short in view of the financial climate which has prevaled.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Setting up insurance policies to protect our children's future should anything happen to me or us.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Set up a number of policies, talked us through options and helped thoroughly from start to finish.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I needed some financial advise.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

he gave me sound financial advise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

not yet, future planning ...

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Money to spare and invest.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Pension, Life Insurance, Equity release.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still working and continuing to invest, future pension and returns on target.

What could they have done better?

See in to the future!

Review from verified client

November, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Setting up a private pension. Consolidating multiple underperforming penions into a single fund.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Mike helped to transfer different pension pots into a single fund that has since performed exceptionally well by comparison.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The new pension scheme Mike set up has performed very well to date.

What could they have done better?

I have nothing to suggest. Mike went out of his way on several occasions to make things happen. He regularly kept in touch and always responded if I had a query.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Change of job and needed advice on pensions.

How has Mike Rayer helped you?

Help me set up a personal pension which the company contributed to.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Currently just paying the monthly subscription so will see the benefits when I retire.

What could they have done better?

Mike was very helpful and I am very happy in what he did